Sobering Comment

April 23, 1985|The Morning Call

To the Editor:

I recently attended an open house for one of our Pennsylvania senators. The mood of the meeting was serious and concerned. At least a dozen questions arose concerning the U.S. role in Central America. One woman, in an urgent tone, asked how can we get our message to President Reagan, the message being we have been to Nicaragua, we have thoughtfully and prayerfully considered the situation and we do not want our government intervening militarily in Nicaragua. After a slight pause, the senator answered, "Well, you know the president has a mind-set on this issue."

That's a sobering comment to me. What does that mean - "the president has a mind-set"? Does it mean that documented reports of contra violence against civilians won't move the president? And even more frightening to me is wondering what the president has his mind set on. More military aid to the contras? Increasing CIA activity? Sending U.S. troops to topple the Nicaraguan government?

No, I tell myself. President Reagan said he had no intention of overthrowing the Nicaraguan government. Then I think again of the open house. In speaking to the senator, a citizen accused the president of lying. The senator responded, "I don't think the president lies." The room filled with laughter.

It seems obvious some Americans are listening closely to the president. I hope he and others on Capitol Hill listen as closely and hear the urgent plea of Americans who have thoughtfully and prayerfully considered the situation in Nicaragua. I for one will continue to press for peaceful negotiations and no further aid to the contras.